Introducing children’s author Darlene Foster. She has several books in the Amanda series: Amanda in New Mexico, Amanda in Danube, Amanda in Alberta, Amanda in England, Amanda in Spain and Amanda in Arabia. Her Most recent book, Amanda in Holland – Missing in Acton, was released in September 2019. In this interview, she shares a little about it.
1) What is the title of your recent book? Is it a series, what genre is it and is it suitable for all ages?
My most recent book is Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action, book number seven in the Amanda Travels series featuring a young girl who has an exciting adventure wherever she travels. Although this a series, each book can be read as a stand-alone and does not have to be read in any order. The books are written for children between the ages of 7 to 12 although many adults enjoy them as well, especially if they enjoy learning about other countries. One adult reader recently said, “I love how you mix creativity, imagination and cultural appreciation in your writing – for minds of all ages!”
2) In a few sentences, tell us a little about the book. Give us a glimpse of the plot without giving away any spoilers.
In this adventure, Amanda is in Holland where she searches for a missing gardener, special tulip bulbs, a home for an abandoned puppy, and clues as to why her great-uncle didn’t return from the Second World War. She is there with her best friend Leah, and together they visit the amazing Keukenhof Gardens, the heart-breaking Anne Frank House, interesting windmills and a fun wooden shoe factory. But things are missing in the delightful country of Holland and intrepid traveller, Amanda Ross, is determined to find them, often putting herself in danger.
3) Who is the main character in this book? What is her name, where does she live and what do you like about her?
The main character is twelve-year-old Amanda Jane Ross from Calgary, Alberta. I like her because she is feisty, curious and caring, a good role model for young girls everywhere. She is not perfect, and like all children, she messes up at times. However, she learns from her mistakes.
4) What inspired you to write this book?
When I was a child, I read Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates, which takes place in Holland. The story intrigued me, and I dreamt of one day visiting the Netherlands. So you can say it was Mary Mapes Dodge, who wrote a book in 1865, that planted the seeds for Amanda in Holland. Also, two of my aunts married Dutch gentlemen, which fuelled my interest in Holland and the Dutch culture. Four years ago, my husband and I finally visited Holland. It was everything I dreamt it would be and more. While there I kept saying that Amanda would love it here, which inspired me to write the next book in the series.
5) Where can readers buy this book?
This book is available in most bookstores. If it is not on the shelves, it can usually be ordered. It is also available in digital or print format on all Amazon, Kobo, Indigo, and Barnes and Noble sites.
Connect with Darlene on social media at the links below.
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Even a curmudgeonly old bloke like me finds the Amanda stories intriguing – I’m saving up for when a certain grandchild is old enough!
Love this reply. Thanks for visiting, and I’m sure Darlene is happy to hear you are enjoying the Amanda series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I traveled to Holland as a kid to stay with relatives, and the book brought back so many lovely memories. A great story and full of wonderful details. A great feature, Diane. Congrats to Darlene. 🙂
Thanks for visiting, Diana, and for leaving a wonderful comment. I’m waiting on “Amanda in New Mexico”, but next, I’ll look for “Amanda in Holland”. After the liberation in 1945, my father, a Canadian soldier, billeted with a family in Holland. He had grown close to the family and when he had a daughter more than ten years later, he named her Wanda after one of the kids in the family.
What a cool story. My mom is Dutch and married an American, so we have strong ties to Holland. Amanda in New Mexico sounds like a good one – a place I want to travel!
I see why the book has extra special meaning to you. It’s neat when we read books we can connect to like this.
Another lovely post Darlene thanks for hosting Diane… hugs to you both..
Thanks, Sally. Thank you for visiting.
Nice to see Darlene and her newest book featured here Diane. I’m hoping my niece will get hooked on the Amanda series. Of course I’ve started her with Alberta, lol. 🙂
If my daughter was younger, I’d get her hooked, too, but she lost interest in reading in high school. That said, if she sees a book about horses, she sometimes reads it.
Best wishes for Amanda’s latest launch, Darlene!
[…] be honest, I have no idea what happened. The only thing I can think of is when I posted author Darlene Foster’s Wednesday’s Word segment, I had been battling WordPress’s forced use of their new editor. I had been […]
Always a pleasure to “meet” Darlene Foster and hear of new books in her fun and fascinating Amanda series!
Thank you for visiting, Christa.
Reblogged this on Darlene Foster's Blog and commented:
I am pleased to be featured on fellow Canadian author, Diane Tibert´s blog as a guest. Check out what inspired me to write Amanda in Holland.
Thanks for featuring my latest book, Diane.
You’re very welcome, Darlene.